Why My Doctor Will be able to Retire Early*

Friday night indulgence: calling up to have a pizza delivered
Annecdotal classroom humor: being told by a student that "sequence" is the shiny things on her jean jacket
In the Attic: The chunk of change and time that I've spent on medical issues

In the span of about one month, Binta and I have had way too many doctor visits and prescriptions to fulfill. Each time either of us sees a doctor, I have to pay a $20.00 co-pay. And with nearly each visit, they send me home with some presciption recommendations. (At the patient's cost, of course!) Today, for your reading pleasure: a blow-by-blow of our recent doctor visits.

1. On April 9, Binta's cold symptoms had spread into her eyes. She woke up with the goopy, crusty substance gluing her eyes shut. Being that it was a Sunday, we visited Urgent Care.
Co-pay: $20.00
Brotapp Liquid: $6.99
Vigamox: $30.00

2. By April 12, my prescription for my Wellbutrin had run out. And there were no more refills, unless I made a doctor visit. The visit consisted of: weighing me, asking me a few questions, and providing plenty of time to sit around and look through ESPN magazine. Instead of catching up with the world of sports, I couldn't help but wonder if it was really necessary for me (and the limited attention span of my 3-year-old daughter) to take the time (and the $20.00) to be there. Couldn't I have answered the questions over the phone? I promise I wouldn't have lied about my weight.
Well, I'd probably be within 10 pounds, anyway.
Co-pay: $20.00
Wellbutrin: $30.00

3. April 22. Now I'm sick. I am absolutely certain that I have Strep Throat. It's Saturday, so we're off to Urgent Care, again. I even see the same doctor that Binta saw 2 weeks ago. Remember how I mentioned in a previous post how hard it is to be sick when you're the single parent? (reason #4) Today was a classic illustration of that. While we waited the 55 long and painful minutes for my prescription to fill, and Binta asked when we were going to go for the 73rd time, I heard myself say, "Binta, I swear to god, if you ask me again, I am going to seriously freak out." Upon arriving home, I sat Binta in front of the TV while I unsuccessfully attempted to nap in 30 minute increments.
Co-pay: $20.00
Penicillin: $4.88
Magic Mouthwash: $9.04
Misery: immeasurable

4. By April 27, I have gone from feeling nearly 100% better, to returning to feeling completely run down again. I make an appointment to be seen, and the doctor thinks that I have a virus now, and I'll just have to "ride it out."
Co-pay: $20.00

5. Binta had an allergic reaction to a peanut M&M. She was treated with her Epipen, and told to follow up with a doctor visit. This is one appointment that I have no problem with. I arrange to take a half day off of work on May 3.
Co-pay: $20.00
Epipen Jr.: $15.00

6. Since I've already got the afternoon off, I decide to visit the doctor again myself, as my full course of antibiotics has run out, yet I still feel Strep Throaty and feverish. Every time I cough, people look at me like I just told them I think Bush is doing a really great job. This time at the doctor, I get some action. Perhaps it helped that I told her I'd either need some stronger medicine, or a recommendation of a good bridge to jump off of.
Co-pay: $20.00
Azithromycin: $10.00
Cheratussin: $2.58
Albuterol inhaler: $10.00

So, in the span of about 30 days, I have spent a whopping $238.49.Now I realize that things could be much worse, as it is for people who have long-term health issues. Believe me, I'm grateful that we only have the occasional visit to the doctor, and that each situation clears up within days of the visit. But that's just it. We usually have occasional visits. Maybe one visit every couple of months or so. When I get a year's worth all in one month, it inspires me to write a cantankerous post.

By the way. I am still coughing...

*footnote: Now I realize that each of these expenses do not benefit one single doctor. The title of this post was created to illustrate my concern of all my costs this month. So back off.